JP2022508826A - Container connection system - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector assembly for releasably connecting the first container to the second container, using a male connector (s) attached to each container and a corresponding female connector (s). However, each female connector has a recess for receiving a part of the male connector. The lock member retractor is moved to a position where the urging force of the lock member retractor with respect to the lock member is reduced, whereby the urging force of the lock member extender moves the lock member to an extended position with respect to the engaging surface. By locking the connector openly, the connector transitions to the openable locked state. By moving the lock member retractor to move at least one lock member to a retracted position away from the engaging surface and disconnecting the connector, the connector transitions to the unlocked state.

Description

[Cross-reference of related applications]
This international application is a US patent application No. 16 / 163,364, filed on October 17, 2018, entitled "CONTAINER CONNECTION SYSTEM", and a partial continuation of the application, which was filed on October 16, 2019. Claiming priority for US Patent Application No. 16 / 654,864, filed and entitled "CONTAINER CONNECTION SYSTEM," each application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This application relates to a pair of subassemblies (subassembly parts) for mechanically coupling two items together, and more specifically to the design of one or more male connectors of the first item. For a pair of subassemblies for, one or more male connectors is a quick release feature to facilitate the installation and separation of two items with minimal effort, to the corresponding female connector. Firmly accepted.

Many existing carry-all bags (or other portable containers such as wallets, cosmetic bags, backpacks, travel bag sets, toolboxes, lunch boxes, food storage containers, etc.) are multiple Not designed with container connections in mind. If multiple containers need to be operated or carried with only one hand (such as during a trip carrying items other than the container), the containers can be stacked and prone to collapse in response to disturbances; Alternatively, the belt may be tied together by completely wrapping it around the container, which takes time to tighten and loosen, and usually requires a belt that is not integrated into either container. Magnets help hold the two items together, but are usually too weak to offset the weight of the container that could fall, or too strong to remove the once-attached container. It has the difficulty of needing the strength of.

Therefore, it is necessary to attach the two containers together in a quick and releasable manner, maintain the connection firmly even if the container is heavy or may change direction in space over time, and only one container is required. In such cases, the ability to separate them easily and quickly is required.

A connector assembly for releasably connecting the first item to the second item is disclosed, with at least one male connector attached to the first item and at least one attached to the second item. It is provided with one female connector. Each male connector is releasably connected to a corresponding female connector, and each female connector has a recess for receiving at least a portion of the male connector. An assembly is at least one locking member that can move between a retracted (retracted) position and an extended (overhanging) position, and at least one lock member retractor that can move in a first direction. A lock member retractor and at least one lock member extender that urges at least one lock member toward an extended position (expands), which causes at least one lock member to move toward a retracted position by movement in the first direction. Things) and. Move each lock member retractor to a position that reduces the urging force of each lock member retractor with respect to each lock member, whereby the urging force of each lock member extender expands each lock member with respect to the engaging surface. At least one male connector and at least one female connector can be released together by locking the at least one male connector to at least one female connector so that it can be released to. Locked to. At least one male connector and at least one female connector are unlocked by moving each locking member retractor to a retracted position away from the engaging surface.

Mechanical connectors are also disclosed, with at least one locking member moving between the retracted and extended positions and a locking member retractor capable of moving in a first direction, at least by movement in the first direction. It comprises a lock member retractor in which one lock member moves toward a retracted position and at least one lock member extender that urges at least one lock member toward an extended position. The mechanical connector transitions to the releasably locked state by moving the lock member retractor to a position that reduces the urging force of the lock member retractor against at least one lock member, thereby at least one lock. The urging force of the member extender allows at least one locking member to be moved to an extended position with respect to the engaging surface of the mating connector, thereby locking the mechanical connector to the mating connector in a releasable manner. The transition of the mechanical connector to the unlocked state is due to the movement of the locking member retractor to move at least one locking member to a retracted position away from the engaging surface and to disengage the mechanical connector from the mating connector.

A system for releasably connecting the first container to the second container is also disclosed, with one or more male connectors on the first container and one or more females on the second container. With connectors, each female connector corresponds to one or more of the male connectors. Each male connector engages with at least one claw that can rotate between the retracted position and the extended position, a flexible tab, and engages with at least one claw to urge the at least one claw to the extended position. It comprises a claw extender that rotates towards, and a claw retractor that is urged to move in a first direction along a central axis, engages with at least one claw, and is operably connected to a flexible tab. .. Each female connector has a recess and a recess for receiving at least one corresponding portion of one or more male connectors when at least one claw of the receiving male connector is in the retracted position. It comprises a central pin disposed within and having a free end extending along a central axis, and a surface for engaging with at least one claw as it rotates to an extended position. For each male connector and the corresponding female connector, the free end of the center pin engages the flexible tab by inserting the male connector into the recess of the female connector, providing the flexible tab and claw retractor. Move along the central axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby removing the claw retractor from at least one claw and rotating at least one claw to the extended position under the urgency of the claw extender. Let and engage the surface for engagement to releasably connect the male connector to the female connector. Once connected, the flexible tab is removed from the free end of the central pin by applying force to the flexible tab of the male connector in a direction other than the first or second direction, resulting in , The claw retractor moves in the first direction and engages with at least one claw, thereby rotating at least one claw to the retracted position, removing at least one claw from the surface and femaleizing the male connector. Release from the connector.

A connector assembly for releasably connecting the first item to the second item is also disclosed, with at least one male connector attached to the first item and at least one female attached to the second item. It features a type connector (each male connector is openly connected to the corresponding female connector, and each female connector has a recess to receive at least one portion of the male connector), retracted and extended positions. With at least one claw that is rotatable between and a claw retractor that is movable in a first direction and that at least one claw is rotated toward a retracted position by movement in the first direction. It comprises at least one claw extender that urges at least one claw toward the extended position. At least one male connector and at least one female connector are releasably locked together by moving the claw retractor to a position that reduces the urging force of the claw retractor on at least one claw. , The urging force of at least one claw extender allows at least one claw to rotate to the extended position with respect to the engaging surface, releasing at least one male connector to at least one female connector. By locking to. At least one male connector and at least one female connector are unlocked by moving the claw retractor to rotate at least one claw to a retracted position away from the engaging surface.

Mechanical connectors are also disclosed, with at least one claw that is rotatable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a claw retractor that is operable in a first direction and at least one by movement in the first direction. It comprises a claw retractor in which the claws rotate toward the retracted position and at least one claw extender that urges at least one claw toward the extended position. The mechanical connector transitions to the releasably locked state by moving the claw retractor to a position that reduces the urging force of the claw retractor on at least one claw, thereby attaching at least one claw extender. The force force allows at least one claw to rotate to the extended position with respect to the engaging surface of the mating connector, by locking the mechanical connector to the mating connector in a releasable manner. The mechanical connector transitions to the unlocked state by moving the claw retractor to rotate at least one claw to a retracted position away from the engaging surface and disengaging the mechanical connector from the mating connector.

FIG. 1A shows a typical pair of containers that are mounted together to form a single unit.

FIG. 1B shows a pair of containers from FIG. 1A in simplified form, including a male connector on the base of the top container and a female connector on the top surface of the bottom container, which are these. Releasably connected to each other according to the mechanism described in the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded assembly view of the female connector according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded assembly view of the male connector according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is an assembled female connector showing a female connector before contact with the male connector. FIG. 4B is an assembled female connector showing a male connector and a locked and in contact female connector.

FIG. 5A is an assembled male connector showing a male connector before contact with the female connector. FIG. 5B is an assembled male connector showing a female connector and a locked and in contact male connector.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the male and female connectors from the side surface before engagement.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a male and female connector from the side that is locked after engagement.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the male and female connectors from the side, still in physical contact but released.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the female connector in an alternative embodiment according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A shows an assembled male connector in an alternative embodiment prior to contact with the female connector of FIG.

FIG. 10B shows the assembled female connector of FIG. 9 before contacting and locking the male connector.

FIG. 11 shows a button, cable, and plate assembly for causing the release of multiple connectors simultaneously.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the female connector in the third alternative embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of a male connector used with a female connector in a third alternative embodiment.

FIG. 14A shows a cross-sectional view of the male and female connectors before engagement. FIG. 14B shows a cross-sectional view of the male and female connectors before engagement.

FIG. 15A shows a cross-sectional view of a male and female connector that is locked after engagement. FIG. 15B shows a cross-sectional view of a male and female connector that is locked after engagement.

FIG. 16A shows cross-sectional views of male and female connectors that are still in physical contact but in the process of being unlocked. FIG. 16B shows a cross-sectional view of male and female connectors that are still in physical contact but in the process of being unlocked.

FIG. 1A is a representative pair of containers that are releasably mounted together to form a single unit via one or more connectors according to an aspect of the present disclosure. 4 and 6 are shown.

Although containers 4 and 6 are shown in FIG. 1A and are described herein as a handbag or carryall bag and as a removable second bag, the present disclosure relates to a handbag or carryall bag. It will be appreciated that without limitation, the containers 4 and 6 may be any type of container that is required to be releasably connected to each other. Not inclusive, but as just one example, containers 4 and 6 may be handbags, purses, carryall bags, travel bags, toolboxes, storage containers, boxes, etc., or not at all. It may be an item.

As an example and for illustration purposes only, the appearance of the container 4 corresponds to the design of the container known in the art, including, for example, a carrying strap or handle 10. .. The containers 4 and 6 may include a number of external or internal zippers, pockets, or other structures (mechanisms) (not shown) for opening the container and storing items inside.

FIG. 1B shows a pair of containers 4 and 6 from FIG. 1A in simplified form, incorporating one or more connectors 1, each of which is placed on the base of a first container 4. It has a male connector 3 and a corresponding female connector 2 located on the upper surface of the second container 6, which are releasably connected to each other as described below.

The at least one female connector 2 may be attached to the top surface 50 of the second container 6 and corresponds to at least one male connector 3 attached to the bottom surface 12 of the handbag 4. The arrangement and number of female and male connectors 3 may vary depending on the constraints required to be enforced on the design of the container or their mounting. For example, the single female connector 2 and male connector 3 may be centered on the bottom surface 12 and the top surface 50, allowing the two containers to be attached to each other at any rotation. .. Similarly, the four connectors 1 may be used in a rectangular arrangement, allowing only a first relative position between the containers and a second position rotated 180 degrees from the first position. can. The four connectors 1 may be used in a square array, each allowing four different relative positions rotated 90 degrees from each other. The container shown in FIG. 1B is shown with four male connectors 3 and four corresponding female connectors 2, although the container may include a smaller number or a larger number of male and female connectors. It will be understood that it is good. More generally, any regular polygonal array may be used to create a set of positions that correspond to the number of sides of the polygon (three potential relative positions for an equilateral triangle). , 8 for octagons, etc.), or an array of polygons without rotational symmetry may be used to force a single relative arrangement (such as an isosceles triangle or trapezoid), resulting in The only possible alignment of the two containers allows each male connector to be connected to each female connector.

Throughout this disclosure, "top", "bottom", "vertical", and other indications of orientation are referred to, but the mechanism for connecting the male connector 3 to the female connector 2 is essentially directional. It is independent of and independent of gravity and any other up / down related movements or actions. Thus, instead, the male connector 3 can be placed on top of the second container 6, while the female connector 2 can be incorporated into the base of the first container 4.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded assembly view of the female connector 2 according to the present disclosure.

In a preferred embodiment, the female connector 2 comprises a base 200, a central pin 201, a spring 202, a panel 203, and a top surface 204, all of which, when assembled, are aligned along a central axis 210. .. One or more fasteners 205 may be used to secure the base 200 to the top surface 204, thus holding the spring 202 or panel 203 between them.

The spring 202 always pushes the panel 203 upwards with respect to the top surface 204 and is coplanar with the top surface 204 when an object or force does not sufficiently push the panel 203 downwards (FIG. 4A and below). May be urged (as described in). When pressure is applied, the panel 203 retracts into the cavity formed in the base 200 and the central pin 201 in the cavity formed in the female connector (as described in FIG. 4B and below). ) Expose through pinhole 207.

The top surface 204 may include a raised edge (ridge) 206 that runs around the inner edge of the top surface 204. In some embodiments, the raised edge 206 is at the inner end where the presence of toothed claws (discussed further below) is expected when the female connector 2 is properly aligned with the male connector 3. It may exist only along a part.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner edges of the panel 203 and the top surface 204 are with the corresponding male connector 3 regardless of how the female connector 2 and the male connector 3 are rotated relative to each other. It is circular to allow engagement (discussed further below). In other embodiments, the purpose is particularly aesthetic or connector, especially if the alignment of the plurality of male connectors 3 with the plurality of female connectors already constrains the placement of the male and female connectors. Other possible shapes of the panel 203 and the top surface 204 are possible, provided that other possible design constraints with respect to the use of the panel 203 and the top surface 204 are met.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded assembly view of the male connector 3 according to the present disclosure. Each of the parts shown is essentially circular in shape and has a center that aligns along the central axis 310 when assembled into a single part, with the exception of claws 301, where claws 301 are preferred. Is evenly spaced around the central axis 310 at a constant distance.

In a preferred embodiment, the male connector 3 includes a bottom surface 300, a claw 301, a leaf spring 302, a claw retractor 303, a tab 304, a spring 305, and an inner surface 306. The centers of the bottom surface 300, leaf spring 302, claw retractor 303, spring 305, and inner surface 306 can all be aligned along the central axis 310, which engages the male and female connectors 2. The purpose is to align / equivalence with the central axis 210. One or more fasteners 307 are used to secure the bottom surface 300 to the inner surface 306 while confining the claws 301, leaf springs 302, claw retractors 303, tabs 304, and springs 305 between the bottom surface 300 and the inner surface 306. May be done.

In a preferred embodiment, each claw 301 is openable to the protrusion of the raised edge 206 of the top surface 204 when the male connector 3 is inserted into the female connector 2 and firmly resists axial movement. Includes one or more teeth 308 to engage. In other embodiments, another means of engaging the surface of the female connector 2 may be used in place of or in addition to the indicated rigid teeth 308, eg (but not limited to). Not), magnets oriented to be attracted to the respective magnets of the female connector 2, adhesive surfaces, pins that fit the corresponding openings, rubber-like gripping surfaces, or when moved axially to each other. Any other surface or feature that produces sufficient resistance to another surface or feature.

The bottom surface 300 also includes one or more claw tooth openings or recesses 309 through which the toothed surface 308 of the corresponding claw 301 can be passed when the claw is in the extended position. The toothed surface 308 does not extend through it when the claw is in the retracted position.

Each claw 301 shifts between the extended position and the retracted position by rotating around the rotation axis point 312, and the rotation axis point 312 is locked and stationary in the lower surface 300. In the retracted position, the spring 305 urges the claw retractor 303 downward along the central axis 310 to engage the rear lever 313 of the claw 301, and the claw is directed toward the central axis around the rotation axis point 312. Occurs when it causes an inward rotation of. In the extended position, the leaf spring 302 that engages with each claw 301 is not weakened by the claw retractor 303, and the claw 301 and its respective teeth 308 are urged to rotate away from the central axis 310. It occurs when rotating around 312. Any other means of causing expansion of the claw 301, for example by magnets or non-spring mechanical parts, is used as long as the action of the spring 305 and claw retractor 303 is strong enough to overcome the forces that favor expansion. You may.

The bottom surface 300 also includes a hole (aperture) 311 (not shown, but present in FIGS. 5A and 5B) through which the central axis 310 passes and through it the central pin 201 of the female connector 2. Is intended to pass.

In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated, each male connector 3 comprises three claws 301 in equidistant spaces around the central axis 310 of the male connector. In other embodiments, any other number of claws 301 may be used, eg, as long as at least one claw 301 can engage the raised edge 206 of the female connector 2. One, two, four, or more may be used equidistant or at arbitrary intervals around the central axis).

The tab 304 comprises a flexible material and has two shoulders 315, which are locked to the sides of the claw retractor 303 to maintain the connection and the ability to push the claw retractor 303 downwards while the tab 304 Allows the claw retractor 303 to rotate along an axis passing through the shoulder 315. The tab 304 also includes a notch 314, which corresponds to the central pin 201 of the female connector 2 and allows the pin to enter the notch 314 from below, but the tab is on the central axis 310. As long as it remains aligned along, it prevents further upward movement of the pin. In a preferred embodiment, the tab 304 has a hook or generally "to stabilize a portion of the tab perpendicular to its default position while fixing the rest of the tab to another part. It may be V "shaped. As a result of the flexibility of the tab, the vertical portion can deviate from the central axis 310 by a force perpendicular to or at least not along the central axis. In other embodiments, the effect of the hook shape of the tab 304 can be replaced by having only a vertical portion that is held in place by a laterally urging force of the spring or other component.

In a preferred embodiment, each component of the male and female connectors 2 and 3 is made of plastic. Other materials may be used to provide stiffness or structural support as needed (eg, non-deformable parts such as base 200, top surface 204, bottom surface 300, inner surface 306, center pin 201, or claw 301). Made from metal, wood, glass, enamel, bone, stone, or other exotic animal / vegetable / mineral material), or optionally Flexibility and elasticity may be provided (eg, the spring 202, leaf spring 302, tab 304, or spring 305, metal, rubber, cardboard, foam, or the original once the force is no longer applied. Made from coils or thin sheets of other materials that may be flexible while returning to state).

4A and 4B show the assembled female connector 2 before contact with the male connector 3 and during locked engagement with the male connector 3, respectively. In FIG. 4A, the spring 202 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 6) is more aesthetically pleasing and more aesthetically pleasing by urging the panel 203 upward with respect to the top surface 204 so that it is coplanar with the top surface 204. It is safe (prevents the possibility of piercing by the central pin 201) and cleaner (prevents detritus from entering the cavity within the female connector), giving it a default or hibernate appearance. In FIG. 4B, the pressure applied to the panel 203 (eg, by inserting the male connector 3 into the female connector 2) compresses the spring 202 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 6). , The center pin 201 is exposed. The retracted position is maintained as long as the male connector 3 is inserted into the female connector 2.

5A and 5B show the assembled and accepted male connector 3, respectively, before engaging with the female connector 2 and when it is releasably locked to the female connector.

In FIG. 5A, the male connector 3 has a retracted claw 301 whose teeth 308 do not extend beyond the claw opening 309 (shown in FIG. 3) of the bottom surface 300. In FIG. 5B, the male connector 3 has an expanded claw 301 whose teeth 308 are extended through the claw opening 309. The process of transitioning from the retracted unlocked position to the expanded locked position is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 below.

The bottom surface 300, in a preferred embodiment, has a claw opening 309 to facilitate guiding the bottom surface 300 into the cavity of the female connector 2 more tolerantly to the improper position of the male connector 3. The containing surface is shaped to be conical (specifically, a truncated cone) rather than cylindrical or otherwise. The bottom surface 300 also has a hole 311 for receiving the central pin 201. In a preferred embodiment, the hole 311 is also conical to guide the central pin 201 of the female connector 2 into the hole 311 and the male connector 3.

6, 7 and 8 show cross sections from the sides of the female and male connectors 3 at three stages of the locking and unlocking process. FIG. 6 shows the female connector 2 and the male connector 3 before engagement (corresponding to FIGS. 4A and 5A), and FIG. 7 shows a state in which the connector is releasably locked after engagement (FIGS. 4B and 5A). (Corresponding to 5B), FIG. 8 shows a state in which physical contact is still made but the lock is released.

In FIG. 6, the tab 304 of the male connector 3 extends beyond the inner surface 306 by a small amount. The spring 305 urges the claw retractor 303 downward and engages the claw retractor 303 with the rear lever 313 of each claw 301. As a result, each claw 301 remains rotated inward about the rotation axis point 312 so that the tooth 308 does not extend beyond the tooth opening 309. The leaf spring 302 can exert an outward urging force on each claw 301, but the urging force of the spring 305 is more powerful and / or has a greater influence on the claws. It has and can keep the claw in its retracted position.

In FIG. 7, when the male connector 3 is inserted into the female connector 2, the panel 203 of the female connector 2 is pushed down by contact with the lower surface 300 of the male connector 3 to compress the spring 202. The central pin 201 appears and extends into the hole 311 in the lower surface 300 of the male connector 3. The pin 201 engages the notch 314 (not shown) of the tab 304, is unable to pass through the tab, and begins pushing the tab 304 upwards. As the tab 304 moves upwards, its shoulder 315 remains in a locked engagement with the claw retractor 303, which also moves upwards, compressing the spring 305. When the force supplied by the claw retractor 303 to the claw rear lever 313 is reduced, the urging force of the leaf spring 302 causes the teeth 308 of each claw 301 to rotate outward and engage with the raised edge 206. It locks to a predetermined position so that it can be released to prevent the male connector 3 from moving in the axial direction with respect to the female connector 2.

Once in this locked position, the first container 4 or other item to which the male connector 3 is attached may be lifted or rotated in space and the second container 2 to which the female connector 2 is attached. The container 6 or other item is similarly lifted or rotated due to the strength of the connection and the inability of the toothed claw 301 to slide out of the raised edge 206 of the female connector 2.

In FIG. 8, when a force is applied to one end of the tab 304 in a direction approximately parallel to the inner surface 306 and approximately perpendicular to the central axis (to the left in the situation of FIG. 8), the other end is: It remains pressed against the interior of the inner surface 306 and the tab 304 begins to bend. When the tab 304 is folded or closed by itself, the notch 314 of the tab 304 no longer remains perfectly aligned with the center pin 201 of the female connector 2, and finally the tab 304 is centered. It becomes possible to slide into the side surface of the pin 201. In the absence of the upward force exerted by the central pin 201 on the tab 304, the urging force of the spring 305 pushes the claw retractor 303 downward again against the rear lever 313 of each claw 301, and the leaf spring 302 Overcoming the outwardly urging force, the claw 301 can reverse-rotate to a retracted position where it no longer engages with the raised edge 206 on the receiving side 2.

As a result, the male connector 3 can be freely separated from the female connector 2, so that the container or other item to which the male connector 3 is attached can be used after the force is applied to the tab of the male connector. A container or item with a female connector can be left behind and lifted. When the center pin 201 is no longer inserted into the male connector, the tab 304 returns to its vertical position and all parts can be returned to their original configuration in FIG.

Certain preferred divisions of parts between male and female connectors are described herein, but different divisions of these parts between parts are possible. For example, instead of a male connector comprising a claw 301 that extends outward to engage the surface of a female connector 2 that receives the male connector 3, in an alternative embodiment (FIGS. 9, 10A, And as shown in FIG. 10B and described below), the claws can be included in the female connector 2 and the claws extend inward to grip the surface of the male connector 3. Embodiments use the parts and interrelationships described herein to allow either outward-pushing claws from the inner connector or inward-pushing claws from the outer connector, and other parts accordingly. Can be moved in the opposite direction; for example, a rubber band or the like that urges a leaf spring 302 that pushes the claws 301 outwards to pull the claws of the outer connector inward and locks them to the inner connector. May be replaced with an elastic material of.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the female connector in an alternative embodiment according to the present disclosure.

Similar to the female connector 2 in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the female connector may include a base 200 and a top surface 204 having a central axis 210, held together by one or more fasteners 205. good. However, in contrast to the part splits shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the female connector 2 may include a claw 301, a claw retractor 303, and a claw tooth opening 309.

Each claw 301 may have two pinholes 371 and 373 corresponding to the pins 370 and 372 of the base 200 and the claw retractor 303, respectively. Once assembled, the pin 370 enters the pinhole 371 and the pin 372 enters the pinhole 373, engaging the claws 301 and the claw retractor 303 with the base 200. Each claw 301 is also made of a flexible material and may have a rearward sill 350, which is a claw retractor to push the inside of the base 200 and rotate the claws 301 inward. When the opposite urging force due to the rotation of 303 is not applied, the claw 301 is urged to rotate outward toward the central axis 210.

The claw retractor 303 may have an external tab 375, the external tab 375 rotating the claw retractor 303, resulting in an external force or component to move one or more claws 301. May be pushed or pulled by.

FIG. 10A shows an assembled male connector in an alternative embodiment prior to contact with the female connector of FIG.

In contrast to the male connector of the preferred embodiment, the male connector 3 has only a groove or other engaging surface 206 in which the bottom surface 300 and the claw 301 of the female connector 2 can be releasably locked. Movable parts may be completely absent.

FIG. 10B shows the assembled female connector of FIG. 9 before contacting and locking with the male connector.

Similar to the male connector of the preferred embodiment, the claws 301 may rotate outward toward the central axis through the claw tooth openings 309 in the top surface 204 corresponding to each claw 301. Rotation of the claw 301 to the extended or retracted position is achieved by rotating the claw retractor 303 with respect to the base 200 and the top surface 204. By rotating the claw retractor 303, the pin 372 moves relative to the pin 370, rotating each claw 301 around a point at pin 370 / pinhole 371. By rotating outward (in response to the counterclockwise rotation of the claw retractor 303 shown in FIG. 9), the claw locks into the groove of the male connector 3 or other engaging surface 206 and is female. The connector 2 and the male connector 3 may be prevented from moving with respect to each other in the axial direction. By rotating inward (in response to the clockwise rotation of the claw retractor 303 shown in FIG. 9), the claw 301 retracts into the claw opening 309 from the groove or other engaging surface 206. It may be possible to allow the male connector 3 to be removed from the female connector 2.

FIG. 11 shows a button, cable, and plate assembly that may be incorporated into a carryall bag or other container to simultaneously trigger the release of one or more connectors.

The plate 900 or similar release engagement member may or may not be embedded in a carryall bag or other container 4 (as initially shown in FIG. 1). In a preferred embodiment, the plate 900 may be placed on the base of the carryall bag 4, parallel to the base, having one or more protrusions 901, each corresponding tab of the male connector 3. It is in stationary contact with 304. As shown in the situation of FIG. 11, when the plate 900 is slightly shifted in the direction of arrow A, the male connector 3 is brought into the unlocked state by pressing the tab 304 according to the method described above when locked. shift. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in the figure, the plate 900 is substantially solid in the plane it occupies. In other embodiments, instead of the plate, a skeleton, frame, or other assembly consisting of only a few rods or dowels or having a much smaller area can be used.

The plate 900 may also be fitted with a cable 903 (or a dowel, or other component or set of components capable of transmitting a push or pull movement over a distance (distance)). It may be equipped with 902 or other mounting points.

In a preferred embodiment, the cable 903 is embedded within the carrying strap / handle (handle) 10 of the carryall bag 4 and through the handle into the button assembly 904 or equivalent user interface (ie, switch, knob, etc.). You may reach it. In another embodiment, the cable 903 is integrated into the side, base, or other internal part of the carryall bag or other container 4 instead of being embedded in the handle or strap 10. It may be hidden in a carry-all bag or other container 4.

When the user presses the button 904 (or presses a switch, turns a knob, etc.), the force is transmitted along the cable 903, the plate 900 moves in the direction of arrow A, and the protrusion (s) 901 is male. Engage with the tab (s) 304 of the mold connector 3 to release the carryall bag or other container 4 from the second container 6 to which it can be attached, as described in FIG. Alternatively, instead of using a single cable 903 and plate 900 to engage the male connector 3 simultaneously, multiple cables can be attached to each male connector directly from the button assembly 904, the button assembly. Each cable is moved when is pressed by the user.

Further, the button assembly 904, cable 903, and / or plate 900 must be in the carryall bag or other container 4 as opposed to the second container 6 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). There is no essential reason. When you no longer need to stay connected, you may use the button assembly 904 in the base container to remove the top container. For example, when the connector of the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B is used, the button of the second container 6 moves the plate or other release member 900 to move the second container 6 Can be engaged with tabs 375 on the claw retractor 303 of one or more female connectors 2 at the top of the connector, while simultaneously releasing the claws 301 on those female connectors to release their corresponding males. The mold connector 3 can be released, thereby allowing the container 4 to be removed from the second container 6.

Further, the connector incorporated in the container 4 and / or the second container 6 may be released by a method other than physical engagement with the button to be pressed. For example, the tab 304 of the male connector 3 may be connected to a servomotor that may push the tab and result in the removal of the male connector 3 in response to an electrical connection from a closed circuit or wirelessly transmitted signal. ..

In the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, which is different from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 8 and 9 to 10, the male connector 3 slides. By using the type lock member, the female connector 2 may be releasably locked.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the female connector in this third alternative embodiment.

Similar to the other female connector 2 described above, various parts are arranged in a straight line along the central axis 210.

The top surface 204 and the base 200 are mounted together with a sliding housing 1515 between the respective extended edges 1505 and 1530. The sliding housing 1515 has an elliptical (more precisely, a "rounded rectangle" or race track) cross section. This cross section is perpendicular to the central axis 210 between the top surface 204 and the base 200 (eg, in the direction of arrow A or in the opposite direction), with the round cross section of the top surface 204 itself held in the elliptical opening. ) Allows you to move. In alternative embodiments, these cross sections need not be circular and elliptical, respectively; other embodiments are square and rectangular cross sections, or any one dimension longer than another. Using a pair of other shapes, the larger shape moves back and forth along one axis, including the smaller shape having the same width along the other axis and being guided (channeled) by it. Make it possible.

The sliding housing 1515 has one or more openings 1520 and is configured to receive the tabs 1525 on the sides of the panel 203, the panel 203 being urged upward by the spring 202. The slanted alignment and opening 1520 of the tab 1525 so that when the spring 202 pushes the panel 203 upwards, the tab 1525 engages with the top edge of the opening 1520 and pushes the housing 1515 in the direction of arrow A. The sloping ends of are arranged. In contrast, when the panel 203 is pushed downwards to compress the spring 202, the tab 1525 engages with the lower end of the opening 1520 and pushes the housing 1515 in the direction opposite to arrow A.

The "C" shaped spring 1510 provides an inwardly urged force that engages the male connector when the male connector 3 is between the two tips of the spring 1510, but is male. When the connector 3 is close to the center of the spring 1510 and does not come into contact with the spring 1510, no force is applied.

A ring 1500 or other riveted connector is attached to the rest of the female connector 2 and between them the upper surface 50 of the lower container 6 (not shown here, but shown in FIG. 1). The female connector 2 is fixed in a predetermined position with respect to the upper surface 50. As a result, only the ring 1500 and the panel 203 are visible above the top surface, and the extended edge 1505 of the top surface 204 is below the top surface 50.

FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of a male connector used in combination with a female connector in a third alternative embodiment.

Like the other male connector 3 described above, various parts are arranged in a straight line along the central axis 310.

The inner surface 306 and the lower surface 300 are mounted on both sides or both sides of the lower surface 12 (not shown here, but shown in FIG. 1) of the upper container 4, the plunger 1615 and the plunger. The base 1600 allows free movement of the base 1600 upwards and downwards within the channel between them. The tab 304 is attached to the plunger base 1600, the tab 304 converts lateral movement into downward movement, and when a force is applied to the tab 304, the plunger base 1600 (and through engagement with the plunger 1615) Move the plunger downward).

The spring 1610 engages with the plunger base 1600 and urges the plunger base 1600 upward with respect to the inner surface 306. In the upward position, the plunger 1615 is flush with the bottom of the bottom surface 300.

The bottom surface 300 preferably has a tapered surface to more allow misalignment when inserted into the female connector 2, and also has a channel 1620 having a width similar to that of the "C" shaped spring 1510. The spring 1510 may slide laterally inside.

FIG. 14A shows a cross-sectional view of the male and female connectors before engagement.

Prior to engagement, the panel 203 is fully extended upward by the urging action of the spring 202 and is coplanar with the ring 1500. The housing 1515 and the "C" spring 1510 are completely to the left and aligned with the outer left edge of the base 200. The spring 1610 completely retracts the plunger base 1600 and the plunger 1615 so that the plunger 1615 does not exceed the lower surface 300.

FIG. 14B shows the same time point in cross section perpendicular to the central axis 210 and passing through the "C" shaped spring 1510 and housing 1515.

Prior to engagement, the spring 1510 and housing 1515 are fully aligned to the left so that the tip of the spring 1510 is centered on the panel 203 and is ready to grip anything that pushes the panel 203 away. ..

FIG. 15A shows a cross-sectional view of the male and female connectors after engagement and locking.

After engagement, the panel 203 is partially pushed down by the force of the lower surface 300. The housing 1515 and the "C" shaped spring 1510 are still completely to the left and aligned with the outer left edge of the base 200, but now the spring 1510 is aligned with the channel 1620 and tipped into the channel 1620. It has a part and locks the male connector in place to prevent it from being pulled out. The plunger base 1600 and the plunger 1615 remain completely retracted into the bottom surface 300.

FIG. 15B is perpendicular to the central axis 210 and shows the same time point in cross section through the "C" shaped spring 1510 and the housing 1515.

As mentioned above, the tip of the spring 1510 can now be fitted within the channel 1620 of the bottom surface 300, locking the male connector in place.

FIG. 16A shows a cross-sectional view of male and female connectors that are still in physical contact but in the process of being unlocked.

When a force is applied to the tab 304 (eg, by the engaging projections 901, also shown in FIG. 11), the tab 304 overcomes the urging force of the spring 1610 and panels the plunger base 1600 and the plunger 1615. Push downward with respect to 203. When the panel 203 is fully depressed, its tab 1525 (not shown) engages the opening 1520 of the sliding housing 1515. As a result, the sliding housing 1515 slides completely to the right and aligns with the outer right edge of the base 200 as shown. By sliding the housing 1515, the "C" shaped spring 1510 also moves completely to the right, sliding the tip of the spring from the channel 1620 so that the bottom surface 300 is not locked in place.

FIG. 16B shows the same time point in cross section perpendicular to the central axis 210 and passing through the “C” shaped spring 1510 and the housing 1515.

As mentioned above, the tip of the spring 1510 is no longer engaged with the outer surface of the lower surface 300, allowing the male connector 3 to retract.

Once unlocked, it is preferred that the female connector 2 remain in the unlocked state even when no force is applied through the tab 304 both before and after the male connector 3 is pulled out.

Many components have the preferred embodiments described herein, but alternative embodiments may use other principles to achieve substantially similar results. For example, if a spring or flexible claw is described as exerting a urging force on a surface, the urging force is instead due to the magnetic force of one magnetic component pushing another magnetic component, or. It may be supplied by expansion of a physical component via means other than a spring that returns to a quiescent state, such as a hydraulic (hydraulic) or gaseous component that causes the expansion of a fluid container. Similarly, where claws or other locking members are described, gears, cams, or other physics, as long as the physical components engage with the surface and move to prevent unlocking the mechanism. Components may be used.

Although various embodiments of the connection system currently described are useful for connecting two portable containers, the connector may be used for various purposes. For example, in another embodiment, the female connector may be embedded in the dog's collar, the male connector may be placed at the end of the lead, and the cable may be embedded along the length of the lead, carried by the person walking the dog. The handle allows a person to release the collar from the lead at a distance of 1 meter or more without having to bend over and touch the dog directly. Similarly, the connections in this disclosure are for safety reasons, such as attaching a child seat to a car or replacing a carabiner in a rock climbing activity, to place the item firmly and quickly in place. Can be used for.

The connectors in the form illustrated and described above may be commonly used to attach an item to a wall, ceiling, or floor. For example, each power tool in the workshop has a male connector, which allows it to be stored on the wall when not in use (via a female connector built into the wall). The connector is releasable and can be removed semi-permanently if the item needs to be moved temporarily to mount the TV on the wall, hang fixtures from the ceiling, or attach furniture to the ground. It can be used in any way. Moreover, since the components are mostly made of metal rather than strictly plastic or other material, electrical connections can be formed through the connector, for example, the male connector is intentionally removed. Creating a socket that does not allow the light to be pulled out other than releasing it, and attaching a portable luminaire with a male connector to either a large number of current-powered ceiling or wall female connectors. enable.

The description of the various embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of the examples, but is not intended to be inclusive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments described. The terminology used herein is to best describe the principles of the embodiment, the actual application or technical improvement to the technology found on the market, or the implementation disclosed herein by one of ordinary skill in the art. It was selected so that the morphology could be understood.

Claims (40)

A connector assembly for releasably connecting the first item to the second item:
It comprises at least one male connector attached to the first item and at least one female connector attached to the second item, each male connector being releasably connected to a corresponding female connector. Each female connector has a recess for receiving at least a portion of the male connector;
At least one locking member that moves between the retracted position and the extended position,
The lock member retractor, which is at least one lock member retractor capable of operating in the first direction, wherein the at least one lock member moves toward the retracted position by the operation in the first direction.
Includes at least one locking member extender that urges the at least one locking member towards the extended position;
The lock member retractor is moved to a position where the urging force of each lock member retractor with respect to each lock member is reduced, whereby the urging force of each lock member extender engages each lock member with respect to the engaging surface. It can be moved to an extended position, thereby releasably locking the at least one male connector to the at least one female connector, thereby causing the at least one male connector and the at least one female. Both mold connectors are unlockably locked;
By moving each locking member retractor to move each locking member to the retracted position away from the engaging surface, the at least one male connector and the at least one female connector are unlocked.
Connector assembly. The locking member comprises one or more inclined openings, the tabs moving along the openings to exert a force on the locking member to move it to the retracted position or the extended position.
The connector assembly according to claim 1. Each of the tabs is connected to a panel that moves along the central axis of one of the at least one female connector.
The connector assembly according to claim 2. The panel is urged by the lock member extender in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
The connector assembly according to claim 3. The lock member retractor comprises a plunger that pushes down the panel and thereby forces the lock member to the retracted position.
The connector assembly according to claim 4. The engagement of the tab with the one or more inclined openings causes the locking member to move perpendicular to the central axis of the at least one female connector.
The connector assembly according to claim 2. Each lock member and each lock member extender is provided in the at least one female connector.
The connector assembly according to claim 1. Each locking member retractor is provided with the at least one male connector.
The connector assembly according to claim 1. The at least one locking member comprises a C-spring on each of the at least one female connector to grip the corresponding male connector.
The connector assembly according to claim 1. The at least one male connector has a groove, the C-spring of each of the at least one female connector is firmly fastened to the groove, and the at least one male connector is attached to the groove. Can prevent vertical movement,
The connector assembly according to claim 9. The retracting of the lock member by the lock member retractor pulls the C-spring away from contact with the male connector to unlock the male connector.
The connector assembly according to claim 9. It's a mechanical connector:
At least one locking member that moves between the retracted position and the extended position,
A lock member retractor that is movable in a first direction, wherein the movement in the first direction causes the at least one lock member to move toward the retracted position.
It is equipped with at least one lock member extender that urges at least one lock member toward the expansion position;
The lock member retractor is moved to a position where the urging force of the lock member retractor with respect to the at least one lock member is reduced, whereby the urging force of the at least one lock member extender is the at least one lock. The member can be moved to the extended position with respect to the engaging surface of the mating connector, and by locking the mechanical connector to the mating connector in a releasable manner, the mechanical connector can be releasably locked. It shifts to the state that was done;
By moving the lock member retractor, moving the at least one lock member to the retracted position away from the engaging surface, and disengaging the mechanical connector from the mating connector, the mechanical connector is unlocked. To move to
Mechanical connector. The locking member comprises one or more inclined openings, the tabs moving along the openings to exert a force on the locking member to move it to the retracted position or the extended position.
The mechanical connector according to claim 12. Each of the tabs is connected to a panel that moves along the central axis of the mechanical connector.
The mechanical connector according to claim 13. The panel is urged by the lock member extender in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
The mechanical connector according to claim 14. The lock member retractor comprises a plunger that pushes down the panel and thereby forces the lock member to the retracted position.
The mechanical connector according to claim 15. The engagement of the tab with the one or more inclined openings causes the locking member to move perpendicular to the central axis of the mechanical connector.
The mechanical connector according to claim 13. The at least one locking member comprises a C-spring for gripping the engaging surface.
The mechanical connector according to claim 12. The engaging surface has a groove, and the C-spring is firmly fastened to the groove to prevent the engaging surface from moving perpendicular to the groove.
The mechanical connector according to claim 18. The retracting of the locking member by the locking member retractor pulls the C-spring away from contact with the engaging surface, unlocking the mechanical connector.
The mechanical connector according to claim 18. A system for releasably connecting the first container to the second container:
One or more male connectors in the first container.
Each male connector is
At least one claw that can rotate between the retracted position and the extended position,
Flexible tabs and
A claw extender that engages with the at least one claw and urges the at least one claw to rotate towards the extended position.
The male having a claw retractor that is urged to move in a first direction along a central axis and engages with the at least one claw and is operably connected to the flexible tab. With type connector;
One or more female connectors of the second container.
Each female connector corresponds to one of the one or more male connectors mentioned above.
Each female connector is
A recess for receiving at least one corresponding portion of the one or more male connectors when the at least one claw of the receiving male connector is in the retracted position.
A central pin located in the recess and having a free end extending along the central axis.
With the female connector having a surface for engaging with the at least one claw as the at least one claw rotates to the extended position;
For each male connector and the corresponding female connector,
By inserting the male connector into the recess of the female connector, the free end of the central pin engages the flexible tab and the flexible tab and the claw retractor are aligned along the central axis. And move it in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby removing the claw retractor from the at least one claw and, under the urging of the claw extender, the at least one claw. Rotated to the extended position and engaged with the surface to engage the male connector so as to be releasably connected to the female connector;
By applying a force to the flexible tab of the male connector in a direction other than the first direction or the second direction, the flexible tab is removed from the free end of the central pin. As a result, the claw retractor moves in the first direction to engage the at least one claw, thereby rotating the at least one claw to the retracted position and turning the male connector into the female connector. Remove the at least one claw from the surface to free it from the surface.
system. A connector assembly for releasably connecting the first item to the second item:
It comprises at least one male connector attached to the first item and at least one female connector attached to the second item, each male connector being releasably connected to a corresponding female connector. However, each female connector has a recess for receiving at least a portion of the male connector;
At least one claw that can rotate between the retracted position and the extended position,
A claw retractor capable of operating in a first direction, wherein the claw retractor rotates the at least one claw toward the retracted position by the operation in the first direction.
Provided with at least one claw extender, which urges the at least one claw towards the extended position;
The claw retractor is moved to a position where the urging force of the claw retractor with respect to the at least one claw is reduced, whereby the urging force of the at least one claw extender engages the at least one claw on the surface. The at least one male connector and the at least 1 Both female connectors are unlockably locked;
The at least one male connector and the at least one female connector are unlocked by moving the claw retractor to rotate the at least one claw to the retracted position away from the engaging surface.
Connector assembly. Tabs and
Further provided with a central pin located in the recess and having a free end extending along the central axis of the male connector and the corresponding female connector;
The claw retractor is operably connected to the tab, urged to move in a first direction along the central axis, and engages with the at least one claw;
Insertion of the male connector into the recess of the corresponding female connector causes the free end of the central pin to engage the tab and the tab and claw retractor along the central axis in the first direction. Move in the opposite second direction, thereby removing the claw retractor from the at least one claw and rotating the at least one claw to the extended position under the urging of the at least one claw extender. And engaged with the surface to releasably connect the male connector to the female connector;
By applying a force to the tab in a direction other than the first direction or the second direction, the tab is removed from the free end of the central pin, and as a result, the claw retractor is the first. Moving in a direction, engaging with the at least one claw, thereby rotating the at least one claw to the retracted position, removing the at least one claw from the surface, and disengaging the male connector to the female. Release from the type connector,
22. The connector assembly of claim 22. Each cap of the at least one male connector comprises a conical hole to receive the corresponding central pin.
23. The connector assembly according to claim 23. Each of the at least one female connector comprises a movable panel that is urged to cover the recess until the corresponding insertion of one of the at least male connectors moves the panel into the recess. ,
23. The connector assembly according to claim 23. The tab disengages from the free end of the central pin and returns to a position aligned with the central axis after the release of the male connector from the corresponding female connector.
23. The connector assembly according to claim 23. The at least one claw extender is a wrinkle formed on the at least one claw and comprises a wrinkle made of a flexible material.
The claw retractor is rotated in a direction opposite to the first direction to shift the mechanical connector into the releasably locked state.
The claw retractor is rotated in the first direction to bring the mechanical connector into the unlocked state.
22. The connector assembly of claim 22. A movable engaging member placed on or within the first item or the second item, which is operated to move in a direction other than along the central axis. Engage in each tab of the at least one male connector or the at least one female connector, and each of the at least one male connector is associated with the corresponding one of the at least one female connector. The movable engaging member is provided so as to be released from the above at the same time.
22. The connector assembly of claim 22. A cable of the first item or the second item, or within the item is further provided, and the movement of the engaging member causes the movement of the engaging member to make each of the at least one male connector at least by the user operation of the cable. The cable is attached to the engaging member so as to be released from the corresponding one of the female connectors.
28. The connector assembly of claim 28. The four male connectors are arranged in the first item in a rectangular configuration, the four female connectors are arranged in the second item, and each of the four female connectors is in the second item. , Which is located at the position corresponding to the corresponding position of one of the four male connectors.
22. The connector assembly of claim 22. The at least one claw comprises three equally spaced claws around a central axis.
22. The connector assembly of claim 22. The engaging surface comprises a raised edge, the at least one claw having one or more teeth for engaging the raised edge when the at least one claw is rotated to the extended position. Equipped with
22. The connector assembly of claim 22. Each cap of the at least one male connector is tapered into a conical shape.
22. The connector assembly of claim 22. It's a mechanical connector:
At least one claw that can rotate between the retracted position and the extended position,
A claw retractor capable of operating in a first direction, wherein the claw retractor rotates the at least one claw toward the retracted position by the operation in the first direction.
Equipped with at least one claw extender that urges at least one claw toward the extended position;
The claw retractor is moved to a position where the urging force of the claw retractor with respect to the at least one claw is reduced, whereby the urging force of the at least one claw extender attaches the at least one claw to the mating connector. It is possible to rotate the mechanical connector to the extended position with respect to the engaging surface of the, and by locking the mechanical connector to the mating connector, the mechanical connector is moved to a releasably locked state;
By moving the claw retractor to rotate the at least one claw to the retracted position away from the engaging surface and disconnecting the mechanical connector from the mating connector, the mechanical connector is brought into an unlocked state. Transition,
Mechanical connector. Further comprising a tab, the mechanical connector transitions to the releasably locked state via insertion of a pin into a hole in the cover along the central axis of the mechanical connector, said tab. By engagement with:
The tab moves along the central axis while engaging with the claw retractor.
The claw retractor stops engaging with the at least one claw and
The at least one claw extender can rotate and expand the at least one claw to compress against the engaging surface;
The tab is removed from the pin via a force that presses against the tab other than along the central axis, whereby the claw retractor engages with the at least one claw and the at least one claw. Can be rotated away from the engaging surface and the mechanical connector transitions to the unlocked state.
The mechanical connector according to claim 34. A cable is attached directly or indirectly to the tab to transmit the force from a remote source.
The mechanical connector according to claim 35. The engaging surface is raised and the at least one claw comprises one or more teeth for engaging the engaging surface.
The mechanical connector according to claim 35. The at least one claw extender comprises the swelling of each of the at least one claws made of a flexible material.
The claw retractor is rotated in a direction opposite to the first direction to shift the mechanical connector into the releasably locked state.
The claw retractor is rotated in the first direction to bring the mechanical connector into the unlocked state.
The mechanical connector according to claim 34. The engaging surface is a groove, which is fitted after the at least one claw has passed through one or more claw openings of the mechanical connector.
38. The mechanical connector according to claim 38. The at least one claw comprises three equally spaced claws around the central axis of the mechanical connector.
The mechanical connector according to claim 34.

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